Black pools reflect the sky, clouds & trees.
There are NO reflections with turquoise…..
Which do you prefer?
© All photos 2011
Recreating Eden Landscape Blog
"A garden that pleases me is a garden…designed with deliberation" – David Hicks
Recreating Eden Landscape Blog 
I prefer the black pool as I love the reflection. It makes the pool seem more natural.
I used to think turquoise was such a beautiful color, until I saw your post. I never appreciated the beauty of black pools until this very moment. Excellent and compelling post.
From a design perspective as an art piece, I like the black pool. But from a personal one of refreshment and cooling, you can’t beat the traditional blue.
Definitely black for garden ponds & pools. Turquoise says swimming pool, sunbathing, and mai tais. The bottom photo looks like a swimming pool, somewhat out of place next to a lovely garden. The top pool is a lovely reflecting pond (I’m not crazy about the garden, though).
I need to do more research before re-lining our swimming pool. I’ve read that black liners increase the pool temp several degrees, which would be nice in the early spring & late fall. But we don’t want a hot tub in the summertime (it practically is already, and it’s only June!) I’d love to see photos of swimming pools with black liners. Great post, BTW!! xoxo